In response to the latest demands, the Hong Kong government urged protesters to immediately end their blockade of the city centre.

It said the students' actions were affecting public order and the provision of public services.

"About 3,000 government officials will try their best tomorrow to return to work as [much] as possible. To maintain public service, the government headquarters must operate as usual," the government said in a statement.

"We urge the Occupy Central leaders and organisers to stop the movement immediately."

In a separate briefing, Hong Kong police superintendent Steve Hui urged protesters not to block or charge at government buildings, saying police would take action in accordance with the law if they did.

Riot police used tear gas, pepper spray and baton charges at the weekend to try to quell the unrest, but tensions have since eased as both sides appeared ready to wait it out, at least for now.

The crowds have brought large sections of the Asian financial hub to a standstill, disrupting businesses from banks to jewellers.

Some banks and other financial firms have begun moving staff to back-up premises on the outskirts of Hong Kong to prevent growing unrest in the financial hub from disrupting trading and other critical functions.